It began with Sony chairman Sony Howard Stringer arriving onstage in the “Green Hornet” mobile with Seth Rogan and Jay Chou and ended with the Cirque du Soleil “Viva Ls Vegas” troupe performing to Elvis Presley’s Bossa Nova.
In between all that, Sony executives introduced throngs of media at Sony’s press conference on the eve of CES 2011 in Las Vegas to a corporate-wide global 3D initiative that includes many more 3D movies, camcorders, cameras, TVs, Blu-ray players, and unveiled the name of their new joint venture 3D cable TV network with Discovery Communications and IMAX to launch this quarter, called simply “3net.”
<Details about 3net follow the 4 1/2-minute video highlights of the Sony media briefing below…>
<Videos with more detailed interviews about specific products can be found here on the topics of Sony Bloggie with 3D, Sony’s Blu-ray 3D player with 2D conversion, Android controller, and wireless speakers, and a 3D panorama camera.>
3net is claiming to be the first 24/7 fully programmed, general entertainment 3D television network in the U.S. (DirecTV‘s n3D channel powered by Sony rival Panasonic launched early last year and also features a mix of original 3D TV series, movies, sports, and documentaries.)
More planned 3net programming was announced during CES by 3net president and CEO Tom Cosgrove.
“The vast resources and expertise of our joint venture partners – whose leadership spans across media, technology and entertainment – have allowed us to create a truly unprecedented 3D television experience grounded in the concept of highly immersive and engaging content,” said Cosgrove.
The series and programs announced today (in alphabetical order):
Original Series:
* Experience 3D*
This fast-paced, hour-long, thrill-ride takes viewers behind the wheel, into the sky, across the seas and more on this once-in-a-lifetime journey featuring some of the wildest experiences life has to offer. The world’s biggest adventures are presented with all of the incredible dimension and reality of stunning native 3D. Produced by Arena Films.
Exclusive U.S. Premieres
* “Hubble 3D” (IMAX)
Through the power of IMAX 3D, Hubble 3D enables viewers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The program offers an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlights its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.
Hubble 3D, narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, is an IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures production, in cooperation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
* In The Qube 3D (Sony)
This one-hour, hosted original series brings viewers into the exciting world of 3D with a topical look at the very latest on what’s new and newsworthy in 3D – from movie and television entertainment, to gaming, the newest in technological innovations and more. If it’s happening in 3D, it’s “In The Qube.” Produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Chomp Productions and Jump! Creative.
* Wildebeest Migration (Discovery)
Journey across the great plains of Africa with these exotic mammals and encounter one of wildlife’s true wonders of the world – the annual migration of millions of wildebeest travelling more than a thousand miles with hundreds of thousands of zebra and Thompson’s Gazelles behind the main players. The trek is not without peril, as these nomadic herbivores encounter numerous obstacles, including river crossings where giant hungry crocodiles await. Produced by Electric Sky Productions.
Previously announced programming includes:
“African Wild*,” “Attack of the Giant Jellyfish,” “Bullproof*,” “China Revealed*,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “Ghost Lab,” “High Octane*,” “Into the Deep 3D,” “Jewels of the World*,” “Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D,” “Making the Brand*,” “Monster House,” “Open Season,” “Space Station 3D” and “The Haunted.”
*Denotes working title
— By Scott Hettrick